MXPA05013702A

MXPA05013702A - Removable interconnection of an actuator to a valve body.

Info

Publication number: MXPA05013702A
Application number: MXPA05013702A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Michael Hung-Sun Oh
Original assignee: Invensys Building Sys Inc
Priority date: 2004-12-17
Filing date: 2005-12-15
Publication date: 2006-07-10
Also published as: US20060131532A1; AU2005244510A1; CN1796857A; ATE423287T1; EP1672261A1; CA2530209A1; CN100587302C; JP2006170449A; EP1672261B1; DE602005012784D1; US7131635B2

Abstract

A valve apparatus includes selectively releasable engagement apparatus for operatively connecting an actuator to a valve body of a valve having an operating member extending outwardly from the valve body along an axis of the operating member are provided. The engagement apparatus includes a latch arm extending from the valve side of a base, rather than the actuator side of the base. A plurality of protrusions on the valve body and corresponding mating receptacles on the base resist torque forces on the base. A slot in the base adjacent an edge of the latch arm provides passage for tooling used in forming the base. A base in the form of an adapter allows attachment of an actuator not having a selectively releasable engagement apparatus to a valve body that does include a selectively releasable engagement apparatus.

Description

KEMOVIBLE INTERCONNECTION OF AN ACTUATOR TO A VALVE BODY FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to valves actuated by an actuator, and more particularly to the provisioning of a selectively releasable connection of pressure adjustment of an actuator to a valve body in a valve apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In valve apparatuses having an actuator operatively connected to a valve stem or other operating element of a valve, it is sometimes desirable that the actuator be connected to the valve by a coupling apparatus that can be selectively released from the valve. such that the actuator can be easily removed from, or fixed to, the valve without the use of tools. U.S. Patent No. 6,073,907 to Schreiner, et al., And commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 10 / 897,908 to Shike, describe such selectively releasable coupling apparatuses whose Descriptions are incorporated herein by reference. Although Schreiner and Shike appliances work well for their intended purposes, further improvement in several areas is desirable. It is desirable to modify the Schreiner and Shike apparatuses to provide, among other things, an improved manufacturing capacity; additional resistance to the torsional loads generated during the operation of the actuator; reduction of the force that must be exerted in a retention arm to release the actuator from the valve; continuous compliance with applicable standards and regulatory provisions; and means for adapting actuators that were originally designed for permanent attachment to a valve body such that they can be used with valves designed for use with actuators having features that allow selectively releasable engagement of the actuator to the valve body.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides an improved selectively releasable coupling apparatus for operatively connecting an actuator to a valve body of a valve having an operating element that extends outwardly from the valve body along an axis of the operating element, moving a retention arm toward the valve side of a base plate, as compared to prior coupling apparatuses, such as those described in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 6,073,907, to Schreiner, et al, and the application U.S. Patent No. 10 / 897,908 to Shike, mentioned above, which place a retention arm on the side of the actuator of a base plate. The positioning of the retention arm on the valve side of the base plate, according to the invention, provides advantages that include an improved manufacturing capacity, and the reduction of the operating force required to flex the retention arm for release the valve actuator. In one form of the invention, a selectively releasable coupling apparatus is provided for operatively connecting an actuator to a valve body of a valve having an operative element extending outwardly from the valve body along a valve body. operating element axis. The coupling apparatus includes a projection extending from the valve body and a base. The projection extends from the valve body in a direction generally parallel to the axis of the operative element, wherein the projection includes a notch therein. The base is configured as a generally flat plate having a first surface thereof fixed to the actuator and a second surface facing in the opposite direction thereof including a receptacle for receiving the projection. The base further includes a selectively movable retaining arm which is operatively fixed for a bending movement and which is adjacent to the second surface of the base, the retention arm includes a locking tab portion biased by the retention arm for engagement with the notch in the projection when the projection is placed in the receptacle. The protrusion can be an integral part of the valve body, and the receptacle and the retention arm can be integral parts of the base. In some forms of the invention, the valve body includes one or more additional projections that generally extend parallel to the axle, the base includes one or more additional corresponding receptacles to receive the additional projection or projections to thereby improve the load resistance of the valve. twisting at the base around the axis. The valve body may further include a collar projecting therefrom, around the operative element, wherein the collar has an outer peripheral surface. The base may include a second receptacle extending from the second surface of the base for passage therethrough of the operative element, and has an inner wall for coupling the outer peripheral surface of the collar. At least one of the first and second receptacles may include a surface that faces axially therefrom to engage a matching surface that faces axially in one or both of the projection and the collar. At least one of the additional projections may include a surface that faces axially therefrom to engage a matching surface that faces axially in its corresponding receptacle. The retaining arm, in a coupling apparatus according to the invention, may further include a distal end and an opposite end thereof, connected by an intermediate portion of the retaining arm. The locking tab can be placed adjacent the distal end of the retaining arm, wherein the opposite end of the retaining arm is firmly fixed to the rest of the base at a point remote from the receptacle and at least a portion of the remainder of the body. The retaining arm is separated from the second surface of the base, such that the retention arm can be selectively bent in a direction transverse to the axis of the operative element, to uncouple the locking flange from the notch.

The base may include a groove therein, positioned, at least in part, next to the retention arm, wherein the groove extends along, at least in part, of the retention arm. That part of the retention arm can define an edge of the retention arm located next to the second surface of the base. The edge may define a cross-sectional projection thereof on the second surface of the base, wherein the groove has a cross-sectional profile substantially coinciding with the cross-sectional projection of the edge of the retaining arm on the second surface of the base. base. The slot can provide passage for the tools that are used in the formation of the base, during a procedure such as the integral molding of the entire base, including the retaining arm, in order to facilitate the manufacture of a coupling device in accordance with the invention. The slot may also have a width substantially equal to 0.31 centimeters (1/8 inch) or less, to comply with applicable standards and provisions related to electrical equipment, including electric motor-driven actuators. In some forms of the invention, the actuator may include an actuator housing, wherein the base of the coupling apparatus forms part of the actuator housing. In situations where the actuator includes internal components, the first surface of the base can be adapted to allow the internal components to be fixed thereto. In other forms of the invention, the base can function as an adapter for an actuator remote control of an actuator that includes an outlet adapted for operative connection to the operating element of the valve and an actuator housing having an opening therein. for passage of either or both of the output of the actuator and the operating element of the valve. Particularly in the case where the base is used as an adapter, a coupling apparatus according to the invention can further include a connector element adapted to operatively connect the output of the actuator to the valve output element. The collar of the base can be configured to operatively receive the connector element. The invention may also take the form of a valve apparatus including a valve having a valve body and an operating element extending outwardly from the valve body along the axis of the operative element in combination with a valve apparatus. selectively releasable coupling, according to the invention, for operatively connecting an actuator to the valve body. In addition, a valve apparatus according to the invention can include an actuator fixed to the base. In addition, the coupling device of a valve apparatus according to the invention can include a connector element for operatively connecting an output of the actuator to the operating element of the valve. In any coupling apparatus, or a valve apparatus according to the invention, the base of the coupling apparatus can be configured to adapt the actuators that were originally designed for permanent attachment to a valve body, such that the actuators Originally designed for permanent fixation, they can be used with valves designed for use with actuators that have features that allow the selectively releasable coupling of the actuator to the valve body. When used in this manner, a coupling apparatus, according to the invention, allows the use of two or more actuators of different sizes or configurations with a given valve body or vice versa. Other aspects, objectives, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description and the appended figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a valve apparatus, according to the invention, having a selectively releasable coupling apparatus for operatively connecting an actuator, of the valve apparatus, to a valve of the valve apparatus. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the valve of the exemplary embodiment of the valve apparatus shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an end view in partial cross-section of the valve apparatus of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of the valve apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIGS. 5 and 6 are enlarged partial cross-sectional views showing details of a portion of the selectively releasable coupling apparatus of FIGS. -4. 7 is a perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of the invention, in the form of an adapter including apparatus selectively releasable coupling for attachment to an actuator not otherwise incorporating such apparatus selectively releasable coupling, for thus allowing the actuator to be attached to a valve of the type shown in Figure 2. Figures 8 and 9 are partial side and end views in cross section respectively of the second exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 7. Although the invention will be described in relation to some preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the same to those modalities. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as they are included in the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of the invention in the form of a valve apparatus 10, including a valve 12, an actuator 14 and a selectively releasable coupling apparatus 16 for operatively connecting the actuator 14 to a valve body 18 of the valve 12. The valve 12, of the exemplary embodiment, is a ball valve having a spherical valve element 20 rotatably mounted in a flow path 22 defined by the valve body 18 between a first bearing 24 and a second bearing 26. The ball valve 12 further includes an operating element, in the form of a valve stem 28 extending outwardly from the valve body 18 along an axis 30 of the operating element 28. The actuator 14 it includes an outlet 32 which is configured to be operatively fixed to the valve stem 28 of the valve 12. As will be better understood from the following description, the selectively releasable coupling stop 16, of the exemplary embodiment, includes features that are integrally attached to the valve body 18, which coincide with the corresponding features that are an integral part of a base 34 forming the bottom portion (as oriented in the figures 1 and 3) of an actuator housing 36 of the actuator 14. As will be understood from the following description, although the base 34 in the embodiment shown in Figs. 1-4 forms part of the housing 36, enclosing the integral components of the actuator 14, in other embodiments of the invention, the base may assume other shapes, and may not be part of an associated actuator housing or enclosure. As shown in Figures 1-4, the selectively releasable coupling apparatus 16 of the exemplary embodiment of the valve apparatus 10 includes a first projection 38, which has a notch 40 therein, and two additional projections 42. The first projection and the additional projections 38, 42, 42 are oriented to extend from the valve body 18 in a direction generally parallel to the axis 30 of the valve stem 28. As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the base 34 of FIG. The selectively releasable coupling apparatus 16 of the embodiment and emplar is configured as a generally flat plate having a first surface 44 thereof adapted to be fixed to, and facing in the direction of the actuator 14, and a second surface facing in the opposite direction 46 thereof including a first receptacle 48 for receiving the first projection 38. The base 34 also includes two additional receptacles 50 for receiving the two receptacles. Additional features 42. As shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4, the base 34 further includes a selectively movable retainer arm 52 which is operatively fixed to the remainder of the base 34 for flexible movement adjacent to the second surface 46 of the base 34. The retaining arm 52 includes a locking flange 54 that is biased by the retaining arm 52 for engagement with the notch 40 in the first projection 38, when the first projection is positioned in the first receptacle 48, as shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 4, the locking tab 54 is positioned adjacent a distal end 56 of the retaining arm 52 with the opposite end 58 of the retaining arm 52 fixed securely to the base 34 in a point remote from the first receptacle 48. The distal and opposite ends 56, 58 of the retention arm 52 are connected by an intermediate portion 60 of the retention arm 52 extending between the distal and distal ends. opposite 56, 58 of the retention arm 52. As shown in Figure 5, all except the opposite end 58 of the retention arm 52 are separated from the second surface 46 of the base 34, so that the retention arm 52 can be selectively flexing in a direction transverse to the axis 30 of the valve stem 28 to decouple the locking flange 54 from the notch 40, in such a way that the actuator 14 can be removed from the valve 12. As shown in figures 2 and 4, the first projection 38 and the two additional projections 42 each include respective surfaces facing axially 62, 64 for coupling the respective axially facing matching surfaces 66, 68, 68 in the corresponding first receptacle or in the additional receptacles 48, 50. The axially coincident surfaces 62, 64, 66, 68 in the first projection and in the additional projections 38, 42 , 42 and the first receptacle and the additional receptacles 48, 50, 50 provide the axial location of the actuator 14 with respect to the valve body 18, and a stable mounting arrangement that maintains the output 32 of the actuator aligned with the shaft 30 of the stem. valve 28 and prevents the actuator from tilting with respect to the valve body 18. It will also be appreciated that, by locating the first projection and the additional projections 38, 42 at a distance radially spaced from the axis 30 of the valve stem, the first projection and the additional projections 38, 42, 42 can effectively and efficiently reject the torsion applied to the outlet 32 of the actuator 14. As shown in figures 1-4, the valve body 18, of the exemplary embodiment of the invention, further includes a collar 70 having an outer peripheral surface 72. As best seen in Figure 4, the base 34 includes a collar receptacle 74 extending from the second surface 46, for passage through the collar 70 and the valve stem 28. The collar receptacle 74 includes an inner wall 76 for coupling the outer peripheral surface 72 of the collar 70. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, if the valve 12 and the actuator 14 are not configured and placed in mutual relation so that the axis 30 of the valve stem 28 is vertical and passes through the center of gravity of the actuator 14, it is generated It is preferable that this moment of inversion be rejected first through the collar 70 and the additional projections 42, and their associated receptacles 74, 50, 50, rather than at the moment of inversion of the actuator 14. through the valve stem 28 or the first projection 38 and the first receptacle 48. The imposition of a substantial portion of an inversion moment on the valve stem 28 could potentially cause the valve stem 28 to lock, or even bend , and could also cause leakage to pass through the seals at the union of the valve stem 28 and the valve housing 18. Imposing a substantial portion of an inversion moment on the first projection 38 and the first receptacle 48 could potentially cause the disengagement of the locking tab 54 from the notch 40 in the first projection 38. Although ideally the valve 12 and the actuator 14 sie Instead, they would be configured and connected together in an orientation that would avoid generating an investment moment, those skilled in the art will recognize that this may not be achieved in practice, due to a number of reasons. For example, it may be necessary in some pipe circuits to mount the valve 12 with the shaft 30 of the valve stem 28 not oriented vertically. The center of gravity of the actuator 14 can also be deviated from the axis 30 when the outlet 32 of the actuator 14 is connected to the valve stem 28. The coupling apparatus 16 of the exemplary embodiments described in the present invention with reference to FIGS. 5 is specifically configured to reject any moment of inversion first through the collar 70 and the additional projections 42, and their associated receptacles 74, 50, 50, rather than through the valve stem 28, or the first projection 38 and the first receptacle 48. Specifically, the outer peripheral surface 72 of the collar 70 and the inner wall 76 of the collar receptacle 74 are configured to provide a firm fit by sliding the collar 70 into the collar receptacle 74. The outer peripheral surface 72 of the collar 70 is also relatively large, and has a substantial engagement length with the inner wall 76 of the collar receptacle 74 along the axis 30 of the valve stem 28. The large size and substantial engagement length of the collar 70 with the collar receptacle 74 allow the collar 70 and collar receptacle 74 absorb virtually all the inversion moments that would otherwise be imposed on the valve stem 28 and / or the first projection 38. Similarly, the two additional projections 42 have outer peripheries which are also relatively large and which are configured to provide a substantial engagement length with the inner walls of the additional receptacles 50, in parallel with the axis 30 of the valve stem 28. Therefore, the collar 70 and the additional projections 42 work together to reject substantially any investment moment that could be imposed by the configuration and relative orientation of the to valve 12 and actuator 14. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that in other embodiments of the invention, other arrangements may be employed wherein the collar only rejects substantially all the time of inversion. In other embodiments, even one or more additional projections may be configured to substantially reject the entire investment moment, wherein only a small contribution or substantially no contribution to the rejection of the investment moment is provided by the collar. Even in other additional embodiments, the first projection and its associated receptacle can provide a substantial contribution to the rejection of an inversion moment, in combination with other features such as the collar and / or one or more additional projections. From the above description, it will be apparent that, in the exemplary embodiments described hitherto, the characteristics of the invention such as the collar 70, the additional projections 42, and the first projection 38 can provide multiple functions related to the resistance of the torsion of the actuator, the rejection of the reversal moments, and the securing of the actuator 14 to the valve 12. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that in other embodiments of the invention, these functions may be shared differently than shown in FIG. the exemplary embodiments described herein, and which may be aided in the execution of these functions with additional features which are within the scope of the appended claims, but which are not specifically described in the present invention. As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the base 34 includes a groove 78 therein, located at least in part adjacent to the retaining arm 52. The groove 78 extends along at least part of the portion intermediate 60, distal end 56, retaining arm 52. An edge 80 of the retaining arm 52, adjacent to the second surface 46 of the base 34, defines a cross-sectional projection thereof to the second surface 46 of the base 34, and the slot 78 has a cross-sectional profile that substantially coincides with the cross-sectional projection of the edge 80 of the retaining arm 52 on the second surface 46 of the base 34. In some embodiments of the invention, the slot 78 allows a portion of the molding tooling used to fabricate the base 34. extends through the base 34 from the first surface 44 of the base 34 to form the edge 80 of the retaining arm 52. It will be understood that the slot 78 may not be needed in many embodiments of the invention. However, in cases where the slot 78 is included, it is preferable that the slot 78 have a width that is substantially equal to 0.31 centimeters (1/8 inch) or less, so that the width of the slot 78 meets the applicable safety standards and government regulations related to electric motor-driven actuators. In the exemplary embodiment of the invention described above, the base 34 of the selectively releasable coupling apparatus 16 is part of the actuator housing 36. However, in other embodiments of the invention it is desirable that the base 34 of the selectively releasable coupling apparatus 16. is separate from the actuator housing 36, wherein the base 34 is adapted to be attached thereto to one or more actuators 14 having different operating characteristics, and / or configurations. For example, as shown in Figures 7-9, in some embodiments of the invention, the base may assume the form of an adapter 82 having selectively releasable features 85, which may be attached to an actuator 84 that it does not include the features of a selectively releasable coupling apparatus, according to the invention. By virtue of this arrangement, the actuator 84 can be attached through the selectively releasable coupling apparatus 85 of the adapter 82 to the same valve 12 used with the actuator 14, which includes a base plate 34 that incorporates the features of the coupling apparatus selectively releasable 16 described above. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 7-9, the selectively releasable coupling apparatus 85 also includes a connector member 86, positioned on a flange 87 of the adapter 82, for operatively connecting the valve stem 28 to an outlet 88 of the actuator 84. As illustrated in Figure 9, the configuration of the actuator 84 is such that the center of gravity 90 is offset by a distance "y" from the axis 30 of the valve stem 28, and therefore generates an inversion movement which must be rejected. The adapter 82 includes snap-fitting the receptacles for the collar 70 and the additional projections 42 of the valve body 18, so that the coupling apparatus 85 including the adapter 82 of the second exemplary embodiment substantially rejects the inversion movement through the collar 70 and additional projections 42 of valve 12 in the same manner as described above in relation to the first exemplary embodiment of the invention having base 34 formed by the lower portion of actuator housing 36. Those skilled in the art they will also recognize that, although the invention has been described with reference to several exemplary embodiments, many other embodiments of the invention are possible. The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the", "the" and similar terms in the context to describe the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) will be construed to encompass both the singular and the plural, unless specifically stated otherwise in the present invention or clearly contradicts the context. The terms "comprising", "having", "including" and "containing" shall be construed as open terms (ie, shall mean "including, but not limited to") unless otherwise noted. The recitation of ranges of values in the present invention is primarily intended to serve as a quick method to refer individually to each separate value that falls within the range, unless otherwise indicated in the present invention, and each separate value is incorporated in the detailed description as if it were recited individually. All the methods described here can be executed in any convenient order unless otherwise indicated or the context clearly contradicts it. The use of any and all examples, or the exemplary language (eg, "such as") employed herein, is solely to better illustrate the invention and is not a limitation on the scope of the invention unless so indicated. The language of the description should not be interpreted as indicating that unclaimed elements are essential to the practice of the invention. Here the preferred embodiments of the invention are described, including the best mode known to the inventor for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the above description. The inventor expects that those skilled in the art will employ such variations in the proper manner and the inventor intends that the invention be practiced in a manner different from that specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter mentioned in the claims appended thereto as permitted by the applicable law. In addition, any combination of the elements described above in all possible variations thereof is covered by the invention unless otherwise indicated or clearly contradicts the text.

Claims

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention, it is considered as a novelty and, therefore, the content of the following is claimed as a priority: CLAIMS

1. - A selectively releasable coupling apparatus for operatively connecting an actuator to a valve body of a valve having an operative element extending outwardly from the valve body along an axis of the operative element, the coupling apparatus comprising : a projection extending from the valve body in a direction generally parallel to the axis of the operative element, the projection includes a notch therein; and a base comprising a generally flat plate having a first surface thereof fixed to the actuator and a second surface facing in the opposite direction thereof including a receptacle for receiving the projection, the base further comprising a holding arm selectively movable and operatively fixed for a bending movement which is adjacent to the second surface of the base, the retaining arm has a locking tab portion biased by the retaining arm for engagement with the notch in the projection when the projection It is placed in the receptacle.

2. - The coupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the projection is an integral part of the valve body and the receptacle and the retaining arm are integral parts of the base.

3. The coupling apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the valve body includes one or more additional projections that generally extend parallel to the axis, and the base includes one or more additional receptacles corresponding to receive the projection or projections additional

4. - The coupling device according to claim 3, characterized in that the additional projections and their corresponding additional receptacles are spaced apart from the shaft in order to put resistance to the torsional loads in the base around the shaft.

5. - The coupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the valve body further comprises a collar projecting therefrom around the operative element, the collar having an outer peripheral surface; and the base includes a second receptacle extending from the second surface for passage therethrough of the operative element and having an inner wall for coupling the outer peripheral surface of the collar.

6. The coupling device according to claim 5, characterized in that the outer peripheral surface of the collar and the inner wall of the second receptacle are configured to fit together under pressure in a slidable fit, and have a coupling length. enough to substantially reject an investment movement.

7. The coupling apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the valve body includes one or more additional projections that generally extend parallel to the axis, and the base includes one or more additional receptacles corresponding to receive the projection or projections additional

8. - The coupling apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the additional projections and their corresponding additional receptacles are spaced apart from the shaft in order to put resistance to the torsional loads in the base around the shaft.

9. - The coupling apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one of the first receptacle and the second receptacle includes an axially facing surface for coupling a matching surface that faces axially in one or both of the projection and the projection. necklace.

10. - The coupling device according to claim 9, characterized in that the valve body includes one or more additional projections that generally extend parallel to the axis, and the base includes one or more additional receptacles corresponding to receive the additional projection or projections.

11. - The coupling apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one of the additional projections includes an axially facing surface for coupling a matching surface that faces axially in its corresponding receptacle.

12. - The coupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the retention arm further includes a distal end and an opposite end thereof connected by an intermediate portion of the retention arm, wherein the locking flange is placed together at the distal end of the retention arm, the opposite end of the retention arm is firmly fixed to the rest of the base at a point remote from the receptacle, and the remainder of the retention arm is separated from the second surface of the base, such that the retaining arm can be selectively bent in a direction transverse to the axis of the operative element to decouple the locking flange from the notch.

13. - The coupling device according to claim 12, characterized in that the base includes a groove therein placed at least partly next to the retaining arm, wherein the groove extends along at least part of the arm retention.

14. - The coupling device according to claim 13, characterized in that the retaining arm defines an edge of the retaining arm adjacent to the second surface of the base, wherein the edge defines a projection in cross section thereof on the second surface of the base, and the groove has a cross-sectional profile thereof that substantially coincides with the cross-sectional projection of the edge of the retaining arm on the second surface of the base.

15. - The coupling apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the slot has a width substantially equal to 0.31 centimeters (1/8 inch) or less.

16. - The coupling apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the actuator includes an actuator housing, and the base forms part of the actuator housing.

17. The coupling device according to claim 16, characterized in that the actuator includes internal components, and the first surface of the base is adapted to have the internal components fixed thereto.

18. The coupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: the actuator includes an output adapted for the operative connection to the operating element of the valve, and an actuator housing having an opening therein for passage of any or both of the output of the actuator and the operating element of the valve; and the base and the actuator housing are adapted to be fixed together.

19. The coupling apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising a connector element adapted to operatively connect the output of the actuator to the operating element of the valve.

20. The coupling apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that the collar of the base is configured to operatively receive the connector element.

21. - A valve apparatus comprising a valve having a valve body and an operating element extending outwardly from the valve body along an axis of the operating element, and a selectively releasable coupling apparatus for connecting operatively an actuator to a valve body, wherein the selectively releasable coupling apparatus includes: a projection extending from the valve body in a direction generally parallel to the axis of the operative element, the projection includes a notch therein; and a base comprising a generally flat plate having a first surface thereof fixed to the actuator and a second surface facing in the opposite direction thereof including a receptacle for receiving the projection, the base further comprising a holding arm selectively movable and operatively fixed for a bending movement which is adjacent to the second surface of the base, the retention arm has a locking tab portion biased by the retention arm for engagement with the notch in the projection when the projection It is placed in the receptacle.

22. The valve apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising an actuator fixed to the base.

23. - The valve apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that the actuator includes an output thereof, and the coupling apparatus further includes a connector element for operatively connecting the output of the actuator to the operating element of the valve.

24. A valve apparatus comprising a valve having a valve body and an operating element extending outwardly from the valve body along an axis of the operating element, an actuator having an output that can be operatively fixed to the operating element of the valve, and a selectively releasable coupling apparatus for operatively connecting an actuator to a valve body, wherein the selectively releasable coupling apparatus includes: first protrusion extending from the valve body in a direction generally parallel to the axis of the operative element, the first protrusion includes a notch therein; one or more additional projections extending from the valve body in a direction generally parallel to the axis; a base comprising a generally flat plate having a first surface thereof fixed to the actuator and a second surface facing in the opposite direction thereof including a first receptacle for receiving the first projection, the base also includes one or more additional receptacles, each adapted to receive a corresponding projection of the additional projection or projections; the base further comprises a selectively movable retaining arm which is operatively fixed to the rest of the base for a bending movement, the arm being adjacent to the second surface of the base; the retaining arm includes a distal end thereof and an opposite end thereof connected together by an intermediate portion of the retaining arm, the opposite end of the retaining arm being firmly fixed to the rest of the base at a point remote from the first receptacle; the retaining arm further has a locking tab biased by the retaining arm for engagement with the notch in the first projection when the first projection is positioned in the first receptacle, wherein the locking flange is positioned adjacent the distal end of the arm retention; a portion of the retaining arm that does not include the opposite end of the retaining arm is spaced apart from the second surface of the base, such that the portion of the retaining arm can be selectively flexed in a direction transverse to the axis of the operating element for undock the locking tab from the notch. The valve apparatus according to claim 24, characterized in that at least one or more of the first additional projection or projections includes an axially facing surface for coupling an axially facing surface in its corresponding receptacle. 26.- The valve apparatus according to claim 24, characterized in that: the base includes a groove therein placed in an area of the base adjacent at least in part to the retention arm and extending along at least part of the retention arm; and the part of the retaining arm defines an edge of the retaining arm adjacent to the second surface of the base, wherein the edge defines a cross-sectional projection thereof on the second surface of the base, and the slot has a profile of cross section that substantially coincides with the cross section projection.